Cartridge



May 9, 1967 c. E. ROSTOCIL CARTRIDGE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 1, 1965 "3 n u. w IWQ 7 wwn nn @w w jm My :1

r w a 7 INVENTOR CHA RLEs E. RosToclL ATTOR NEYS y 1967 c. E. ROSTOCIL 3,318,244

CARTRIDGE Filed July 1, 1965 2 Sheets-sheet '2 I NVENTOR. CHARLES E. ROSTOCIL ATTURN Em United States Patent 3,318,244 CARTRIDGE Charles E. Rostocil, Pittsburg, Karts. (2700 Peterson Way, 60E, Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626) Filed July l, 1965, filer. No. 468,716 12 Claims. (Cl. 10238) This invention relates to ammunition and more particularly, to a shell construction which utilizes a detonating shock wave emitted by a shaped charge as a propellant for a sabot type projectile.

The difiiculty encountered in the utilization of a shaped charge propellant is that the caliber of the charge must be sufiiciently larger than the caliber of the projectile due to the nature of the shock waves. It is mechanically unsound to attempt propulsion of a projectile of the same caliber as the charge as air resistance will prohibit a reasonable range. The extremely short duration time of the shock wave makes it necessary to utilize a high crosssection-al area for receipt of the wave forces, yet a projectile having a low cross-sectional area to reduce the effect of the air resistance. Also, unlike conventional cartridges utilizing the expanding gas propellant, it is necessary in a cartridge utilizing the detonation shock waves as a propelling force to protect the projectile from said waves and at the same time not to dampen the propelling force nor affect the flight of the projectile.

The principal objects of this invention are: to provide a new, novel and efficient cartridge which utilizes a shaped charge as a propelling force for a sabot type projectile; to provide a new and novel sabot element in combination with a shaped charge propellant which provides high crosssectional area for receipt of the wave force, protection to the projectile with a minimum of dampening effect on the propelling force, and a minimum effect upon the directional flight of the projectile; to provide a design of a cartridge wherein the projectile and the shaped charge may be properly proportioned and shaped to provide an efficient cartridge; to provide a cartridge with a sabot element in generally contacting relation with the shaped charge explosive to utilize the shaped charge explosion as a propelling rather than penetrating force; to provide a new and novel primer mechanism which will prevent backfire or leakage of the propelling force; to provide wedges or fins to hold the sabot type projectile centered within the barrel, thus preventing yaw of the projectile in the initial stages of its flight while still confined within the barrel and to allow utilization of a lighter and smaller projectile; to provide a shell construction utilizing a shaped charge propellant in combination with a sabot type projectile which is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth by way of illustration and example certain embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a center longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cartridge showing the various elements of its constructiou.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views taken on lines 2-2 and 3-3 respectively of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view on an enlarged scale showing the primer mechanism.

FIGS. 5 through are cross-sectional views of the cartridge mount-ed within the barrel showing the progressive stages from detonation of the propellant charge to ejection of the projectile from the gun barrel.

FIG. 5 shows the cartridge mounted within the barrel prior to release of the firing pin.

33%,244 Patented May 9, 1967 FIG. 6 shows initial detonation of the propellant charge by the primer power.

FIG. 7 shows the propagation of the detonation shock wave as it reaches the apex of the sabot element. Inertia is immediately overcome and the projectile bundle begins to move forward.

FIG. 8 further shows propagation of the detonation wave as it passes beyond the apex and along the legs of the sabot element and begins to move the projectile bundle from the barrel of the gun.

FIG. 9 shows the projectile bundle extruding from the end of the barrel and the jet stream propelling said bundle.

FIG. 10 shows the projectile bundle almost clear of the gun barrel with the wedges and sabot element separating from the projectile itself.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing a modification of the primer pin mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken through the shell showing a modification of the sabot element and a modified shape to the rear portion of the wedges and projectile.

1G. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken generally through the area shown by line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing a modified form of the wedges and projectile.

FIG. 14 is a transverse cross sectional view taken along the area generally shown by line 22 of FIG. 1 showing a modification wherein the projectile has three fins mounted thereon in place of the support wedges.

Referring to the drawings in more detail:

The reference numeral 1 indicates a shell casing which in the illustrated structure is generally cylindrical with the side walls 2 of the casing being generally uniform throughout a large portion of its length extending from an open forward end toward the rear but tapering into a thicker section towards the rear portion of the shell as shown at 3. The rear thickened portion of the shell contains an annular notch 4 utilized for extraction of the shell from the barrel. The casing at the rear has a wall 5 closing same and having a central opening 6 in said wall which communicates with the interior of the shell and receives a primer mechanism 7. The interior of the shell is comprised of a cavity shown as cylindrical in the forward portion and terminating in a truncated cone-shaped cavity at the rear portion with the opening 6 extending from the top portion. of the truncated cone through the back edge of the shell casing and to the exterior. The shell casing i may be made of a high strength plastic or metal.

Numeral 8 indicates a liner comprised of a refractory material capable of withstanding high heat and pressure, such as a form of ceramic. The lining 8 completely surrounds and lies in abutting relation to the exterior edge of the main charge designated as 9, thus insulating the shell casing from the heat dissipated when the main charge 9 is detonated and reinforcing the casing 1 against the back pressure exerted when the projectile 16 is propelled forward. The liner 8, as shown in FIG. 1, has a parabolic cone-shaped interior surface with a cylindrical outer surface terminating in a truncated cone-shaped portion at the rearward end. The interior surface of the liner could also be conical in shape being slightly truncated at the rear end. The shape of the interior surface is important for increased efficiency as it assists in directing the shock wave and jet stream against the apex 13 of the sabot element it and thus concentrates the forces produced by the explosive charge. This lining may also be made of a metal or plastic material or, in fact, omitted by simply increasing the wall thickness of the exterior shell casing 11. The general configuration of the interior surface should, however, be maintained as shown by the liner 8 or conical to control the wave propagation as 3 previously discussed. The inclusion of a liner 8 will allow a greater number of reloadings of the casing 1.

The main charge 9 may be of any suitable detonating material of high order, such as a mixture of 50/50 Pemtolite or T .N.T. The shape of the charge within the chamber of the shell casing conforms to the shape of the inner surface of liner 8 and the rearward surface 12 of the sabot element 10. The sabot element or buffer illustrated is generally shaped in the form of a hollow cone having a forward surface 11 and rearward surface 12 and, as shown in FIG. 1, has a greater wall thickness at its apex 13 with side walls 13' of tapering thickness as the walls extend outward to end portions 14. The rearward surface 12 of the sabot element lies in contacting relation to the explosive charge 9. The mating of these surfaces prevents a build-up of forces behind the sabot element 10 in such a restricted area as to result in penetration of said sabot element It). The forces tend to spread out around the apex 13 of the sabot element 10 and along the side walls 13'. This occurs as the jet stream effect, which forms due to the reinforcement of the detonative shock wave, forms at the forward edge of the explosive charge 9 and is initially in general contact with the rearward surface of the sabot element 10. The jet stream, therefore, overcomes inertia and begins to propel the sabot element It in its initial stages before buildup of forces in the jet stream. The jet stream then spreads out over the apex 13 of the sabot element 10 in the initial stage of force build-up. Were the jet stream to travel a distance before contact with the sabot ele ment 10, the forces would be greater and more restricted in area of application on the sabot element 10 resulting in penetration of the element 10. The end portions 14 lie in generally abutting relation to the side walls 2. The apex portion 13 of the sabot element will be required to withstand the maximum force of the shock waves and is thus required to have a thicker cross section. The side walls 13' away from the apex 13 receive a smaller force and may, therefore, be tapered to a thinner cross-sectional wall, thereby reducing the weight of the sabot element 10. The angle between the side walls 13 of the sabot element 10 is critical to the operation of the cartridge as this angle controls the surface area of the rearward surface 12 of the sabot element 10 exposed to the detonation shock wave. For optimum results, the angle should be between 30 and 45 degrees. A range of 15 to 75 degrees, however, is feasible and provides satisfactory results.

The distance between the point of detonation 15 shown in FIG. 6 and the apex 13 of the sabot element 10 is also critical to the operation of the cartridge. The greater this distance up to a specific point, the greater is the amount of energy generated by the shock wave. The optimum range of this distance is from four to six times the diameter of the caliber size. The greater the distance up to six times the caliber size, the greater the energy generated. At six times the caliber size, the energy level generated ceases its increase.

The sabot element should be made of a highly refractory type material with a high compressive strength and low density, such as an aluminum oxide bonded in a cobalt matrix.

The projectile 16 has it rearward portion 18 in abutting relation to the forward surface 11 of the sabot element opposite that portion in abutting relation to the main charge. The rearward portion 18 of the projectile conforms in shape to the hollow conical recess formed by the front surface 11 of the sabot element.. The projectile itself, as illustrated, is cylindrical in shape throughout its center portion 17, but tapering to form a conical rearward portion 18 at its rearward end and a second conical portion 19 at its forward end. The projectile is supported in centered position within the shell casing by means of a supporting system of wedge elements 20. The wedge elements 20, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, are

generally pie-shaped in cross section with their outer edge portions 21 conforming to the circular cross section of the side walls 2 of the cylindrical shell casing and in abutting relation thereto. The inner edge portion 22 of the wedge elements 20 conforms in shape to the circular cross section of the projectile center portion 17 and lies in abutting relation thereto. The rearward edge of the wedge element lies in abutting relation to the forward surface 11 of the sabot element and conforms in shape to said surface. The projectile must be composed of an extremely dense material high in compressive strength and heat resistance, such as tungsten carbide in a metal bond. The wedges, however, must be extremely light yet with some compressive strength and heat resistance, for instance, a high strength plastic or ceramic material. Sufficient compressive strength of the wedges is required to effect energy transfer from the sabot element to the projectile.

The number of wedges utilized may vary from that shown in FIG. 2. The fewer the wedges the easier it is to align the projectile; however, the fewer the wedges, the more likelihood there is that the wedges will not peel off at the same time as the projectile bundle leaves the barrel causing a yaw effect on the projectile. The preferred embodiment utilized four Wedge elements as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 4, the opening 6 in the rear wall 5 of the shell casing, as illustrated, is comprised of an inner enlarged portion 23 which extend rearwardly from the main charge 9 within the shell casing and an outer portion 24 restricted in size and extending from the inner portion 23 through the rear wall 5. The outer portion 24 of the opening 6 is defined by a lip 25 integral with the rear wall 5 of the shell casing. The lip 25 has a circular notch 26 on its exterior edge completely surrounding the central opening 6 and an inner surface 27 opposite said notch.

The primer mechanism 7 is housed in the central opening 6 in the rear wall 5 of the shell casing. The primer mechanism 7, as illustrated in FIG. 4, has a primer cap 28 whose edge portions are disposed in the circular notch 26 overlying the central opening 6 and the rear edge of the primer pin 29. The cap 28 should be composed of a soft substance such as copper so that the force of the firing pin is easily transmitted to the primer pin 29 whose rearward edge abuts cap 28. The primer pin, as illustrated, has an enlarged cylindrical portion 30 lying within an enlarged portion 23 of opening 6 and abutting the side walls of said opening with avstem portion 31 extending from the center of the large cylindrical portion and through the outer restricted portion 24 of opening 5 into abutting relation with the back side of the primer cap 28. A gasket or sealing member 32 is disposed between the rearward surface of the enlarged cylindrical portion 30 of the primer pin 29 and the forward inner surface 27 of the lip 25. The priming mixture 33 is disposed in the inner enlarged portion 23 of the central opening 6 and slightly spaced forward of the enlarged portion 30 of the primer pin 29. This mixture should be a sensitive high explosive with sufficient detonating energy to set off booster 34 such as lead azide. A booster element 34 is shown in the preferred embodiment as being disposed in abutting relation to the forward surface of the primer mixture 33 and the rearward surface of the main charge 9. If, however, the primer mixture were of sufficient power, the booster element 34 could be omitted. The booster element is comprised of a high explosive such as Tetrul or PTEM.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 through 10, the cartridge operates in the following manner: The cartridge is first inserted into the barrel 35 as shown in FIG. 5 with breech 36 lying adjacent the rear wall 5 of the shell casing. The shell is secured within the barrel 35 by means of a recessed area 37 on the interior surface of the barrel 35. The'forward edge of the shell casing 2 abuts the forward edge of the recessed area 37. When firing pin 38 is released within the breech, it strikes primer cap 28 and, in turn, the primer in 29 which strikes the primer mixture 33 causing detonation of said mixture. The increased energy level caused by the detonation of the primer mixture 33 will, in turn, cause detonation of the booster mixture 34. The detonation of the booster mixture, in turn, cases detonation at a point at the rearward edge of the main charge 9 adajacent the primer mechanism 7 and central opening 6, as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the detonation of the main charge 9 sets forth a shock wave which passes through the main mixture and strikes the apex portion 13 of the sabot element it). The dotted lines 39 indicate the progression of a shock wave from the point of detonation to the apex of the sabot element. The inner surface being generally in the form of a truncated cone with either curved or straight sides bends the wave into an axis Y-Y shown in FIG. 5. The apex 13 of the sabot element 10 also lies on axis YY. The wave is reinforced as it progresses forwardly producing a jet stream effect along the center axis YY of the shell casing 2 and directed into the apex 13 of the sabot element 10. As shown in FIG. 7, when the wave hits the apex 13 of the sabot element 10, the point of said element 113 is broken away due to the excessive force applied thereto. In FIG. 8, inertia has been overcome and the bundle 40 comprised of the projectile 16, the wedge elements 2t} and the sabot element 10, has begun to move forward in the shell casing. At this stage, gasses begin to form around the primer pin as shown at 41 and due to the back pressure caused by the wave, the rearward surface of the enlarged portion 30 of the primer pin 29 is forced toward inner surface 27 of the lip 25 of the central opening 6 in the shell casing, thus compressing the gasket or sealing means 32 and sealing said opening. In FIG. 9, the shaped charge is almost consumed and the jet stream 41 has formed and is pushing the projectile bundle 4t) forward within the barrel. The jet stream mushrooms around the apex 13 of the sabot element 10 rather than penetrating said element as is normal in shaped charge explosion. Due to the reinforcement of the waves at the apex 13 of the sabot element 10, the force concentration is extremely high at this portion of the sabot element. Referring to FIG. 10, the explosive charge is now consumed and the projectile bundle 49 has almost cleared the barrel and the sabot element 10 and wedges have begun separation from the projectile 16. Because of the difference in weight of the various elements, considerably more kinetic energy has been transferred to the projectile 16 than to the wedges 20 or sabot element 10, thus resulting in little loss in total kinetic energy. The separation of said elements occurs when the wedges 20 are released from the confines of the barrel and encountered air resistance.

Referring to FIG. 11, a modification of the primer mechanism is shown, wherein the gasket or sealing means 32 as shown in FIG. 4 is omitted. The shell casing ll has a central generally cylindrical opening 42 in its rearward wall being comprised of an inner enlarged portion 43 which communicates with the main charge 9 in the interior of the shell casing, a tapered portion 44 which tapers rearwardly and inwardly to restrict the size of the opening and an exterior portion 45 extending rearwardly from the tapered portion 44 and through the rearward edge of rear wall 5. The inner enlarged portion 43 of the central opening 42 is defined by side wall 46. The tapered portion 44 and the exterior portion 45 of the central opening 42 is defined by the lip 46'. The inner surface 47 of lip 46- defines the tapered portion 44, said surface 47 tapering inwardly and rearwardly, thus reducing the diameter of the central opening 42 The edge portion 43 of lip 46' defines the exterior portion 45 of opening 4-2. The exterior surface of lip 46' opposite the inner surface has a circular notch 49 completely surrounding the central opening 42.

The primer mechanism 50 is comprised of a primer cap 51, a primer pin 52, a primer mixture 53 and a booster 54. The primer cap 51 has its edge portion disposed in and secured to the notch 49 and overlies opening 42. The primer pin 52 is comprised of three portions whose exterior surface conforms to the inner surfaces of opening 42. The primer pin 52, as illustrated, has an enlarged cylindrical portion 55 which is disposed in the interior portion 43 of the central opening 42 with the side surface of enlarged portion 55 in generally abutting relation to the side wall 46 of said opening. The primer pin 52 has a second tapered portion 56 in the shape of a truncated cone which extends rearwardly from the enlarged portion 55 and tapers inwardly and lies in generally abutting relation to the inner surface 4-7 of lip 46'. The third portion of the primer pin is stem portion 57 which extends rearwardly from the small end of the tapered portion 56 and lies in generally abutting relation to edge portion 48 of lip 46'. A primer mixture 53 such as the type previously discussed is disposed in the central opening adjacent and slightly spaced from the inner edge of the enlarged portion 55 of the primer pin 52. A booster element 54 such as the type previously discussed, as illustrated, is shown between and in abutting relation to the primer mixture 53 and the main charge 9. The back pressure from the shock waves will force the primer pin 52 rearward in the central opening and due to the corresponding tapered surfaces, a wedging action of the primer pin 52 against the tapered surface 47 will occur thus sealing the central opening and preventing pressure leakage or back blast.

Referring to FIG. 12, a modified form of the sabot element is designated by reference numeral 58. The sabot element 58 has a rearward surface 59 generally conical in shape which extends rearwardly into the main charge 9 and abutting the main charge 9 throughout its surface area and side edge 60 parallel to the side wall 2 of the shell casing 1 and in abutting relation thereto. The forward surface fill of sabot element 53 is in the form of a spherical recess. The apex portion of the sabot element 58 is considerably thicker in cross section than the remainder of the element for reasons previously discussed. The rearward surface of projectile 61 is shaped to conform to the spherical recess of the surface 61 and lies in abutting relation to said surface 61. The rearward surfaces of the wedge elements 62 likewise conform to the shape of the forward surface 61 and lie in abutting relation to surface 61. As previously described, the wedge elements 62 support the sabot type projectile in a centered position within the shell casing l.

A modification of the previously illustrated projectile and wedge elements is shown in FIG. 13. The projectile 63 is hexagonal in cross-sectional shape rather than circular as previously illustrated. Six wedge elements 64 are employed to support the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing 1. Each wedge element 64 lies in abutting relation to a respective side edge of the hexagonal projectile 63, the side walls 2 of the shell casing 1 and the adjacent wedge elements 64.

A further modification of a projectile supporting system is shown in FIG. 14. Projectile 65, illustrated as being circular in cross section, has three fins 66 extending from and integral with or attached to the side edges of the projectile 65. The outer edge 67 lies in abutting relation to the side wall 2 of the shell casing, thus supporting the projectile in a centered position spaced from the side wall. The fins 66 may be made of the same or similar material as utilized in the projectile. As the utilization of fins reduces the weight of the remainder of the projectile bundle it) which now includes only a sabot element as the Wedges have been eliminated and increases the weight of the projectile greater energy transfer will result to the projectile. Better stability in flight also results from the utilization of fins 66.

7 It is to be understood that while I have illustrated and described one form of my invention, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown except insofar as such limitations are included in the claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A cartridge comprised of:

(a) a shell casing having side walls and a rearward portion with said rearward portion having an inner surface generally conical in shape tapering inwardly and rearwardly thereof,

(b) a shaped charge in the rearward portion of the shell casing in abutting relation to said inner surface for producing shock waves and directing said waves forwardly within the shell casing,

(c) a means for detonating the shaped charge connected to said shell casing,

(d) a projectile bundle comprised of:

(l) a buffer means disposed between the shaped charge and the projectile to protect the projectile from deformation, 7

(2) a projectile of smaller caliber diameter than the shell casing having a rearward portion abutting the forward edge of the buffer means and having side portions,

(3) means for supporting the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing.

2. A cartridge comprised of:

(a) a shell casing having side walls and a rearward portion,

(b) an inner lining abutting the side wall of the shell casing with an inner surface generally conical in shape tapering inwardly and rearwardly toward the back edge of the shell casing,

(c) a shaped charge in the rearward portion of the shell casing within said liner and in abutting relation thereto for producing shock waves and directing said Waves forwardly within the shell casing,

(d) a means for detonating the shaped charge connected to said shell casing,

(e) a projectile bundle comprised of:

(1) a buffer means disposed between the shaped charge and the projectile to protect the projectile from deformation,

(2) a projectile of smaller caliber diameter than the shell casing having a rearward portion abutting the forward edge of the buffer means and having side portions,

(3) means for supporting the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing.

3. A cartridge as recited in claim 2 wherein the inner lining has an inner surface having a parabolic shape.

4. A cartridge as recited in claim 2 wherein the inner lining is formed of a ceramic material.

5. A cartridge comprised of:

(a) a shell casing having side walls and a rearward portion,

(b) a shaped charge in the rearward portion of the shell casing for producing shock waves and directing said waves forwardly within the shell casing,

(c) a means for detonating the shaped charge connected to said shell casing,

(d) a projectile bundle comprised of:

(l) a buffer means disposed between the shaped charge and the projectile to protect the projectile from deformation, said buffer means being conical in shape with the apex of the cone extending into the shaped charge and with the edge of the leg portion of the cone in abutting relation to the side walls of the shell casing,

(2) a projectile of smaller caliber diameter than the shell casing having a rearward portion abutting the forward edge of the buffer means and having side portions 8 (3) means for supporting the projectile in a contered position within the shell casing.

6. A cartridge as recited in claim 5 wherein the leg portions of the cone are tapered outwardly away from the apex and inwardly to produce a thinner wall section at the outer edge of the cone.

7. A cartridge comprised of:

(a) a shell casing having a rear Wall with a central opening and side walls,

(b) an inner liner within the rearward portion of the shell casing having an inner surface which is generally conical in shape tapering rearwardly and inwardly, an outer surface abutting the side wall of the shell casing and secured thereto, and having a central opening in its rearward end communicating with the opening in the shell casing,

(c) an explosive charge in the shell casing in abutting relation to the inner surface of the liner and correspondingly shaped,

(d) a means for detonating the explosive charge in the opening in the rear wall of the shell casing,

(e) a hollow conical-shaped sabot element disposed in abutting relation to the forward surface of the explosive charge, the apex of said element extending into the charge,

(f) a projectile of smaller diameter than the shell casing located on the side of the sabot element opposite the explosive charge and in abutting relation to said element, the rearward edge of the projectile being conically shaped to conform to the forward surface of the sabot element, opposite the apex, I

(g) means for supporting the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing.

8. A cartridge as recited in claim 7 wherein the inner lining is formed of a ceramic material.

9. A cartridge as recited in claim 7 wherein the inner surface of the inner lining is curved resulting in a para-' bolic-shaped inner surface.

10. A cartridge as recited in claim 7 wherein the means for supporting the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing is comprised of a plurality of wedgeshaped elements whose outer surface abuts the side wall of the shell casing and whose inner surface abuts the side portion of the projectile.

11. A cartridge as recited in claim 7 wherein the means for supporting the projectile in a centered position within the shell casing is comprised of a plurality of fins secured to the side portion of the projectile and having the outer edges of the fins in abutting relation to the side wall of the shell casing.

12. A cartridge comprised of:

(a) a shell casing having side walls and a rear wall, said side walls defined by a cylindrical outer surface and an inner surface cylindrical at its front portion and conically shaped at its rearward portion, tapering inward toward the rear wall and having a central opening in the rear wall providing communication from the interior to the exterior of the shell casing,

(b) a liner of a highly heat resistant material abutting the tapered portion of the side wall and the rear wall of the shell casing with its outer surface and having an inner surface tapered rearwardly and inwardly toward the rear wall,

(c) an explosive charge disposed in the rearward portion of the shell casing and conforming in shape to and abutting the inner surface of the liner,

(d) a conically-shaped sabot element disposed within the shell casing with its apex extending rearwardly into the explosive charge and having its entire rearward surface in abutting relation to said charge and having the edge of said element in abutting relation to the shell casing, the forward surface of the sabot element being recessed,

(e) a projectile of smaller caliber diameter than the shell casing and the explosive charge and having its 9 11 rearward edge abutting the forward portion of the 2,306,140 12/ 1942 Reed 102-93 sabot element, 2,440,568 4/1948 Arter 10242 (f) a means for supporting the projectile in a centered 2,931,299 4/ 1960 k ki 102-46 X position within the hell a i g, 3,005,409 10/1961 Dunlap et a1. 102-93 (g) a primer mechanism secured within the central 5 3,038,332 6/1962 NOYCS 102-93 i f the Shell Casing 1 3,164,092 1/ 1965 Reed et a1 10293 FOREIGN PATENTS References Cited by the Examiner 707,127 4/1965 Canada.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 624146 5/1899 Young 102 38 BENJAMIN A. BORCHELT, Primary Examiner.

933,030 8/1909 Funk 10245 ROBERT F. STAHL, Examiner. 

1. A CARTRIDGE COMPRISED OF: (A) A SHELL CASING HAVING SIDE WALLS AND A REARWARD PORTION WITH SAID REARWARD PORTION HAVING AN INNER SURFACE GENERALLY CONICAL IN SHAPE TAPERING INWARDLY AND REARWARDLY THEREOF, (B) A SHAPED CHARGE IN THE REARWARD PORTION OF THE SHELL CASING IN ABUTTING RELATION TO SAID INNER SURFACE FOR PRODUCING SHOCK WAVES AND DIRECTING SAID WAVES FORWARDLY WITHIN THE SHELL CASING, (C) A MEANS FOR DETONATING THE SHAPED CHARGE CONNECTED TO SAID SHELL CASING, (D) A PROJECTILE BUNDLE COMPRISED OF: (1) A BUFFER MEANS DISPOSED BETWEEN THE SHAPED CHARGE AND THE PROJECTILE TO PROTECT THE PROJECTILE FROM DEFORMATION, (2) A PROJECTILE OF SMALLER CALIBER DIAMETER THAN THE SHELL CASING HAVING A REARWARD PORTION ABUTTING THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE BUFFER MEANS AND HAVING SIDE PORTIONS, 